Antioxidant Activity
Like many herbal teas, soursop leaves contain antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress.
Antioxidants play a role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, but drinking antioxidant-rich tea alone does not prevent or cure disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Laboratory studies indicate that certain compounds in soursop may have anti-inflammatory effects.
More high-quality human studies are needed before firm conclusions can be made.
Traditional Soursop Leaf Tea Recipe
If you’d simply like to enjoy soursop leaf tea as an herbal beverage, this is one commonly used traditional preparation.
Ingredients
- 5–10 dried soursop leaves
- 3 cups filtered water
- Honey (optional)
- Lemon (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash the Leaves
Rinse the dried leaves under cool water to remove dust or debris.
If using fresh leaves, you’ll generally need about 12–15 leaves.
2. Simmer
Bring three cups of water to a boil.
Add the leaves, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for 7–10 minutes.
The water will gradually develop a light amber color.
3. Steep
Remove from the heat.
Cover and allow the tea to steep for another 10 minutes.
4. Strain
Pour the tea through a fine strainer into a mug.
5. Enjoy
Drink warm.
Honey or lemon may be added if desired.
Many people prefer drinking it in the evening since it naturally contains no caffeine.
Nutritional Information
The tea itself contains very few calories.
Unlike the fruit, it is not a major source of vitamins or minerals.
Instead, it contains naturally occurring plant compounds such as:
- Polyphenols
- Flavonoids
- Antioxidants
The fruit itself is a better nutritional source of:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Dietary fiber
Possible Side Effects
Although many people tolerate soursop tea without problems, excessive consumption may not be safe.
Possible concerns include:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Lower blood sugar
- Interactions with certain medications
Some research has also raised concerns that consuming large amounts over long periods may affect the nervous system because of naturally occurring compounds found in the plant.
More research is still needed.
Who Should Avoid Soursop Leaf Tea?
Speak with a healthcare professional before using soursop leaf tea if you:
- Have diabetes
- Take blood pressure medication
- Take blood sugar medication
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have liver disease
- Have kidney disease
- Have Parkinson’s disease or other neurological disorders
